U.S. Shell Egg Exports
Birds' Eggs In Shell, Fresh, Preserved, or Cooked
In Dozens - By Months 2004-2007

U.S. Shell Egg Product Exports
Liquid, Frozen, and Dried Product
In Metric Tons - By Months 2004-2007

U.S. Egg Exports

The egg export situation in the United States is looking better in 2007. Shell egg exports were up 101% in the first four months of 2007 from the same period in 2006. The total eggs exported in January through April 2007 is nearly 28 million dozen, up from just under 14 million dozen this time last year.

Egg product exports have increased 9% in the first four months of 2007 from the same period in 2006. Total egg product exports are just over 11,000 metric tons, up from just over 10,000 metric tons this time last year.

Since mid-October the United States Egg Marketers (USEM) has accepted four exports totaling 890 container loads (about 712,000 cases) of shell eggs. The latest export was put together in April and totaled 200 container loads (about 712,000 cases). Of the 200 containers 150 went to Dubai, 20 to Europe, 15 to Israel, and 15 to Japan. The shipments were scheduled to be completed on May 18th.

The increase in egg exports can be attributed to several factors. One of those factors being the high grain prices throughout the world. It is cheaper to import finished products such as eggs or egg products rather than import the corn and soybeans to raise the eggs. Another factor is that the U.S. does not have the Asian Bird Flu in any of its flock so other countries trust the U.S. product to be safe and of high quality. U.S. egg producers have also shown a willingness to sell eggs at a discount to other countries in order to reduce oversupply situations in the U.S. The move to cage free production in the European Union has reduced the amount of excess eggs available in those countries. In the past these excess eggs were exported.

Sources: FAS, United Voices, USAPEEC Monday Line, and Egg Industry.

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